Vladimir Putin

The murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov reveals that Russia has become morally unhinged. The country is transforming into a nationalist fortress and the powers that be are happy to ignore the potentially dangerous implications. An Essay by Christian Neefmore...[ Comment ]

Strelkov claims to have convinced Russian President Putin to start the war in eastern Ukraine. The right winger is seen as a hero by the Russia's extremist fringe. And he is continuing the fight to return his country to its past glory. By Benjamin Biddermore...[ Comment ]

Chancellor Angela Merkel has often been accused of hesitancy. But in Minsk this week, she committed herself to helping find a way to quiet the weapons in Ukraine. The result was a cease-fire. But it is fragile and may ultimately be disadvantageous for Ukraine. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

In a SPIEGEL interview, former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta calls for more decisive action against Moscow, including weapons deliveries to Kiev, to show Russia it will have a "higher price to pay" for its actions in Ukraine. Interview Conducted By Markus Feldenkirchen and Holger Starkmore...[ Comment ]

Poland has long seen itself as stuck between the East and West, resulting in plenty of historical suffering. Russian aggression in Ukraine has many in the country fearing the worst. Leading Polish writers worry that the West isn't doing enough. By Jurek Skrobalamore...[ Comment ]

The president of Ukraine is talking up the idea of a national referendum to join NATO, an idea that the military alliance's chief has openly supported. But such a debate is dangerous -- because it divides member states and provides Putin with powerful ammunition. A Commentary by Christoph Schult in Brusselsmore...[ Comment ]

A political solution is more distant than ever in the Russia conflict, with the German government and EU having exhausted their diplomatic options. A rift may now be growing between Chancellor Merkel and her foreign minister over Berlin's tough stance against Moscow. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned recently that leaders should tone down their rhetoric on Russia. SPIEGEL asked him whether his comments were directed at Chancellor Merkel and how he believes the conflict with Russia might develop. Interview Conducted by Christiane Hoffmannmore...[ Comment ]

One year ago, negotations over a Ukraine association agreement with the European Union collapsed. The result has been a standoff with Russia and war in the Donbass. It was an historical failure, and one that German Chancellor Angela Merkel contributed to. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]

Berlin has begun to see Moscow as an adversary rather than as a potential partner. The German government is concerned about efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase his influence in the Balkans. Stopping him, however, could prove difficult. By SPIEGEL Staffmore...[ Comment ]